Tag Archives: Miguel Cotto
2020 Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Announcement Ceremony Photos
Beamon to Face Saludar and Crowley to Face Mansouri on Stacked Night of Boxing at Wolstein Center in Cleveland and Live on CBS Sports
The GOAT boxing trainer….. Emanuel Steward
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 19, 2018) – The late Emanuel Steward, arguably the greatest boxing trainer of all-time, is a member of the Class of 2018 getting inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame.
The second annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception, held in conjunction with the 2018 USA Boxing Elite and Youth National Championships and Junior and Prep Open, December 2-8, will be held December 7, at the Radisson Hotel (215 S. Temple St.) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Steward was a boxer, trainer extraordinaire, and HBO commentator until his untimely death in 2012 at the age of 68. His boxing career culminated with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996.
At the age of 12, Manny moved with his mother from West Virginia to Detroit, where his life soon turned to boxing. As an amateur boxer, he compiled a 94-3 record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the 1963 National Golden Gloves Tournament as a bantamweight, but he decided against trying out for the US Olympic Boxing Team.
In 1971, Steward became a part-time trainer at Kronk Gym, where he eventually guided many of the country’s top amateur boxers. Kronk Gym later became a property of Steward’s and he developed it into one of the most successful and famous boxing gyms in the world.
Steward also served as National Director of Coaching for USA Boxing in the early 2000’s.
Throughout his incredible career, Steward reportedly trained 41 world champions, perhaps, the most noteworthy were Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. He also trained Julio Cesar Chavez, Miguel Cotto, Oscar de la Hoya, Naseem Hamed, Evander Holyfield, and Mike McCallum. Manny also trained a young Detroit rapper, Eminem, how to box at Kronk Gym.
The last world champion Manny trained was Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, who remains the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) World light heavyweight champion since 2013.
“Emanuel would always say, knockouts sell!” Stevenson fondly remembered. “He was also the first to tell me, ‘You will be a superstar and a world champion. Just make sure you don’t listen to people with bad intentions because you’ve got natural talent.’ He believed in me even if some people did not think I would ever become a world champion.”
“Emanuel Steward impacted the lives of so many who walked through the doors of Kronk Gym,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “While he’s most recognized for his achievement at the professional level, his impact was significant in the amateurs. Manny serves as a model coach for USA Boxing today, and his impact will be felt for a long time. The USA Boxing Alumni Association overwhelmingly supports his induction and looks forward to honoring him as part of this year’s Hall of Fame class.”
USA Boxing Alumni Association
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
“For years he would come to my National Silver Gloves Tournament that I sponsored and put on in Kansa City just to show his support of the youth program,” added USA Boxing president John Brown added. “Every year I would tell him to let me know if he was coming, so I could VIP him, and every year he would ignore me and just quietly show up. I would notice him in the crowd. I would ball him out and then we did the same thing the following year.
“I also used to see him at big fights and he would always make me feel special by saying my company saved boxing in the seventies and eighties by providing safe, well-made, fair priced boxing equipment for the sport. No one else ever gave me that recognition. He was humble and not a blowhard, my kind of guy.”
Emanuel Steward left his mark on earth, not only as a multi-faceted personality in boxing, but he’s also remembered for his magnanimous charity work in Detroit, in which he helped youths in their pursuit of education.
In short, though, he taught boxing, and nobody has ever done it any better.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
USA Boxing declares June “Alumni Association Membership Drive Month”
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 11, 2018) – USA Boxing’s “Alumni Association Membership Drive Month” got off to a knockout start this past weekend in Canastota, New York, at the annual International Boxing Hall of Fame Class induction ceremonies, as nine high-profile boxers, featuring an incredible accumulate pro record of 365-51-7 (239 KOs) and 24 major world titles, joined the growing USABAA ranks as proud, new members.
Chris Cugliari and John Scully represented USA Boxing Alumni Association, manning tables at the IBHOF golf tournament and Memorabilia Show, to increase USABAA awareness and recruit new members.
“The spirit of amateur boxing was alive and well throughout the International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend,” explained Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “Information about the new USA Boxing Alumni Association was well received by the weekend’s guests, and esteemed alumni such as Jesse Vargas and Reggie Johnson mentioned that they are excited to become more involved. The Alumni Association thanks the support provided by many this weekend, particularly Micky Ward and Antonio Tarver, who continue to spread our mission.”
“The fact is that the vast majority of professional boxers who attend the Hall of Fame weekend at Canastota each year were at one time amateur boxers and knew each other well before they ever even turned professional,” added invaluable USABAA advisor Scully, who recruits boxers for group-sponsored events like this. “At some point in the conversations between boxers across the grounds, the topics frequently will eventually turn to their amateur days together.”
“The amateurs, for me, was about fighting for respect,” two-division world champion Junior Jones (50-6, 28 KOs); noted. “To go to different places and make it very far (as an amateur), you have to learn how to conduct yourself and transact with others.”
Other new USABAA members are six-time, two division world champion Miguel Cotto(41-6, 33 KOs); four-time, two division world champion, as well as 1976 Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Famer, Michael Spinks (31-1, 21 KOs); Irish heavyweight who retired Mike Tyson, Kevin McBride (35-10-1, 29 KOs); two-time, two division world championJesse Vargas (28-2-1, 10 KOs); five time world champion and 1996 Olympic bronze medalist Antonio Tarver (31-6-1, 22 KOs); two-time, two division world champion Reggie Johnson (44-7-1, 25 KOs), three-time, three division world champion James Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs); and world heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney (38-3, 24 KOs).
USA Boxing Alumni Association
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing,.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
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“I think this is great,” Jones talked about the formation of the USA Boxing Alumni Association. “Fighters who turned pro were great amateurs, but there are also a lot of amateurs who didn’t turn pro. Everybody doesn’t become champion, but they tried and gave their best, and that’s why this organization is good because all boxers are appreciated.”
“Although Hall of Fame weekend tends to focus on the professional careers of many fighters,” Cugliari concluded, “it was hard not to notice the effect that amateur boxing has had on the lives of many of these great champions. The USA Boxing Alumni Association wants to thank Ed Brophy for his generosity and support for boxing, and we look forward to a long partnership with the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
Promoting more challenging than fighting for Miguel Cotto
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (May 31, 2018) – Future Hall of Fame boxer Miguel Cotto believes that, for him, promoting is even more challenging than fighting.
The living legend retired last December with an incredible 41-6 (33 KOs) pro record, in which he became the only Puerto Rican to capture world titles in four different weights classes, light welterweight through middleweight.
Cotto was 20-6 (16 KOs) in world title fights, 16-6 (12 KOs) versus present or past world champions during his illustrious 17-year pro career, including victories against Cesar Bazan, Carlos Maussa,Lovemore N’dou, Randall Bailey,DeMarcus Corley, Ricardo Torres,Paulie Malignaggi, Carlos Quintana,Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Yuri Foreman, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez and Daniel Geale.
“We have been in the promoting business for more than 13 years, combining both roles (fighter and promoter),” Cotto said. “Now, we are able to give more attention to our fighters in terms of training.
“Promoting is more complex because there are challenges regarding every facet of an event. As a fighter, you concentrate solely on the fight, not all the details involved in promoting a successful event.”
Cotto Promotions is presenting La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago, along with H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico, June 16th on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.
World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta 17-1, 17 KOs) will make his first title defense against four-time world title challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), of Nicaragua, in the 12-round main event.
“This pay-per-view card is a very important opportunity for is to showcase a great event,” Cotto added, “as well as a perfect scenario for Acosta to show the world who he is as world champion.
“It is a pleasure for me to give back to boxing what boxing gave me. Seeing our brand grow and fighter development let us know that we are doing things the right way. Our goal is to continue developing the best talent in Puerto Rico and building their brands and legacies.”
The 27-year-old Acosta is on a mission to become a Puerto Rican boxing icon like Cotto, Tito Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Hector Camacho, Wilfredo Benitez and so many other greats from this fertile island.
Acosta’s success brings back fond memories for Cotto to when he was in a similar situation as a young world champion. “He does bring back memories for me and he proves that hard work pays off,” Cotto concluded. “Tito is living the dream every boxer has when they choose to box as a living. Now is the most challenging chapter for him to expand his reign and build his legacy.”
Additional June 16th PPV fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv
Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV
Germany, United States and Latvia Play Host to WBO Bouts
The World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, will celebrate five interesting title fights; two of which are for world championships. The bouts will take place this Saturday, May 12.
Brooklyn native Saddam “World Kid” Ali (26-1, 14 KO’s), coming off the most important victory of his career against legendary Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto, makes the first defense of his WBO junior middleweight world title, when he faces the dangerous Mexican Jaime Munguía (28-0, 24 KO’s). The fight will take place at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. The fight will be televised live on HBO at 10:00 p.m. ET.
“We will have a lot of activity this Saturday from the WBO. You have to pay close attention to the performance of the huge puncher Jaime Munguía, who will face a good attacker like Ali. It’s going to be a classic fight of puncher against a boxer. If Munguía wins, he would be placed on a select list of great Mexican boxers who have been world champions at or before 21 years of age”, said Valcárcel.
In Augsburg, Germany, women’s boxing takes the stage when the popular former world champion Nikki Adler (16-1, 9 KO’s) of Germany and the world contender Femke Hermans (6-1, 3 KO’s) of Belgium, face each other for the vacant WBO world belt of the super middleweight division. The fight will be in the Eisstadion in Augsburg.
“We remain committed and supportive of women’s boxing. Germany is no exception. This great fight has the community looking on because there is a world title at stake and the fight will be liked by the public”, said Valcárcel.
In Latvia, three WBO International titles will be in play in 12-round duels in an evening at the Riga Arena. For the vacant International junior middleweight belt, the 13th ranked Ismail Iliev (10-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Nazran, Russia will face Konstantin Ponomarev (33-0, 13 KO’s) of Miass, Russia.
Also, the WBO International Lightweight Champion and 5th ranked Isa Chaniev (12-1, 6 KO’s) of Nazran, Russia, will defend his title against the strong Venezuelan puncher, Ismael Barroso (20-1-2, 19 KO’s).
For the vacant middleweight WBO International belt, Artur Akavov (18-2, 12 KO’s) from Russia, will face against Argentina’s Gonzalo Coria (12-1, 5 KO’s).
“We are making a presence in eastern Europe. This time, it was Latvia’s turn to have boxers who are already ranked in the top positions of the WBO and for the rest of the year, could be fighting for world titles”, expressed Varcárcel.
WBO light flyweight champion Tito Acosta to make 1st title defense vs. Carlos Buitrago
La Batalla
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018
LIVE ON PPV – 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT
La Batalla, June 16
Live on PPV from Puerto Rico
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(L-R) – Eduardo Cajina (Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center), WBO light flyweight world champion
Tito Acosta, and promoter Miguel Cotto |
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (April 30, 2018) — Miguel Cotto Promotions hosted a press conference earlier today to announce World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta will make his first title defense at home on June 16 against Nicaraguan challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago in the “La Batalla” 12-round main event, airing on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, which is owned and operated by the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes, future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.
“Tito Acosta is that fighter you can’t blink your eyes,” promoter Miguel Cotto said. “He brings excitement to every fight and power to finish in any second. This fight against Carlos Buitrago will be fireworks from the opening bell.”
Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of San Juan, Puerto Rico., captured the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out his Mexican challenger, Juan Alejo (24-4-1), in the 10th round.
A standout amateur boxer with more than 180 matches, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the Central American Games, is a past WBO Latino and World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight champion. His most notable victories have been against 22-5 Juan Guzman (KO1), 12-1 Japhet Uutoni (TKO12), and 28-5-3 Luis Ceja (KO2).
“Buitrago says that his dream is to become the world champion, to that I say, keep on dreaming,” Acosta said. “I’m not underestimating him, but this will be my night, not his.”
Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), 26, is currently world rated at No. 12 by the WBO. The Managua-native will be fighting in his fifth world title fight having lost three times with one draw. In his last match this past December, he was stopped for the first time in the eighth round by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0) in Japan.
In fact, all three of Buitrago’s career losses as a professional have been to world champions, including a pair to Thammanooon Niyomtrong (11-0) in 2016 and 2014, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions in Thailand for the Interim WBA title. Buitrago also fought a 12-round split draw in 2013 to then WBO Minimum World Champion Merlito Sabillo (12-0) in Manila, Philippines.
“I will enter the ring in the best shape of my life with one objective in sight: to fulfill my dream of becoming the world champion and give my country a historic win,” Buitrago commented. “The battle is on and I hope to come out victorious.”
Additional June 16th PPV fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv
Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV
Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera Finishes off Kevin Cobbs in 3 with super uppercut
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Undefeated N.E. prospect Omar Bordoy, Jr. Prepared to make statement at “New England’s Future 5”
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